Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Strong south wind on Monday, followed by northeast wind in the coming days, may form wind slabs around ridges.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few size 1 to 2 wind slab avalanches were observed around White Pass on Monday, along with significant wind transport. Small dry loose avalanches were also seen around Haines Pass.
Snowpack Summary
Strong south winds on Monday redistributed 20 to 30 cm of recent snow, likely forming a mix of soft and hard wind slabs in open terrain while leaving some soft snow in sheltered areas.
A buried surface hoar or crust layer, 40 to 60 cm deep, is variable in distribution and has produced some test results but no recent avalanches. Similarly, a December crust with facets, 100 to 150 cm deep on all aspects up to 1750 m, has shown no recent activity or significant test results.
Snow depth ranges from 100 cm at highway elevations to over 300 cm in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 km/h northeast wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h northeast wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow has been redistributed by strong south wind, and may continue to move as winds shift to the northeast. WInd slabs are likely found along ridges.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5